Veterans Memorial Reef honors the fallen with underwater tribute

CAROLINA BEACH, NC (WWAY) — Five miles off the coast of North Carolina, families of fallen veterans honored their loved one with a memorial at sea. 

It’s part of the Veterans Memorial Reef—an artificial reef designed to become the final resting place for up to 2,500 veterans. 

Cremated remains are incased stackable concrete markers before they’re lowered to the sea floor. 

There, the markers will serve as a home for marine life like crustaceans, corals, and fish. 

On Monday, 10 new markers were lowered, with families holding a small service from a nearby boat. 

VMR Founder and CEO Thomas Marcinowski says as national cemeteries continue to fill up, the memorial reef is a way to honor a loved one without taking up green space. 

He says it also gives families peace of mind knowing their loved one will serve in a different way. 

“Even though they’ve passed on, they’re still giving back to our country and the world, because they’re building a better ecosystem,” he explained. “So our motto is, ‘Those who served continue to serve’ because they’re still out there doing their service for everybody.” 

Inside the markers, families place mementos and keepsakes. They then receive a formal ceremony on land, before the markers are brought to sea. 

Veteran Coordinator Khrissy Sanford says it’s all takes months of preparation. 

“It takes a good ten months, and we’ll start planning next year’s probably in the middle of summer,” Sanford explained. 

One of the people honoring their loved one was Cyrenda Smith. Smith’s father Billy Turner served during the Vietnam War. 

“He was one of 19 survivors from the Battle of Ia Drang Valley. If you’ve ever seen the movie, or heard of the movie We’re Soldiers, that’s what he survived,” Smith explained. 

Smith says her dad didn’t often talk about his service, and at times felt unappreciated. She notes it wasn’t until decades later that he began getting full benefits from the VA. 

Now—she says—seeing her dad being honored as he deserved, is a powerful moment. 

“I really started to get emotional. I had been doing good the last couple days; I got teary eyed a few times, but today it started coming back,” she said. 

Some family members also choose to work with VMR volunteers. 

Jean Heiser’s brother served in the Marine Corps. His marker was laid to rest last year. 

Heiser now helps other families as VMR’s family liaison. 

“I just want to help people walk through the process. Grief looks different for everyone,” she said. 

Heiser says it brings her joy knowing her brother will continue to rest alongside other servicemen and women. 

“It means the world, it’s very honorable. It’s an amazing thing Veterans Memorial Reef is doing and he’s got new friends today,” she said. 

You can learn more about Veterans Memorial Reef by visiting the organization’s website.